Business


County Commission Set To Approve Over $6 Million For VW Railroad Improvements

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The County Commission is set to take action next Wednesday to approve over $6 million in railroad improvements serving the huge new Volkswagen plant.

One contract for $2,165,100 is for the Bonny Oaks Drive bridge replacement phase II.

Tim Andrews, who heads the Hamilton County Rail Authority, said the piers for the widened new rail overpass are under construction. He said this is funding to purchase the rail spans.

Half of the funding will come from an EDA grant. The county is applying for $360,850 in state aid for the project. If that is not secured, then the city and county will owe $551,275 each.

On a second project, East Tennessee Grading had the low bid of $994,955 for construction of the railroad support yard at the Enterprise South Industrial Park.

Funding is $497,477 each from the city and county unless there is state help.

On a third project, Talley Construction Company had the low bid of $3,070,156 for the rail setup yard where the rail cars will be delivered.

Half of that amount is through an EDA grant. The city and county will pay $767,539 unless there is state help.

Most of the vehicles produced at the VW plant will be shipped by rail.


Southern Tool Steel Promotes Kathy McClung

A steel service center specializing in cut pieces, Southern Tool Steel has promoted Kathy McClung to accounts receivable assistant manager.  Ms. McClung will be responsible for daily customer payments and maintaining customer collection accounts. “Kathy is a valuable member of the company,” said Rebekah Pickett, accounts receivable manager. “Her rapport with our customers ... (click for more)

Ryan Naegele Joins Full Media As Business Development Professional

Full Media, an internet marketing and website design firm with offices in both Chattanooga and Gainesville, Ga., announced the hire of Ryan Naegele who will join its Chattanooga business development team in helping prospective clients develop growth strategies based on a more effective use of the Internet.  Mr. Naegele brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Full ... (click for more)

$750,000 Settlement Reached In Case In Which Bicyclist Was Hit By Tahoe

A $750,000 settlement has been reached in Hamilton County Circuit Court in a case in which a bicyclist was struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe and seriously injured. Sean Sanderson and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Sanderson, of Cleveland, Tn.,had filed suit against Benjamin Wilson and Oscar Wilson. At the time of the wreck, Mr. Sanderson was riding a Trek bicycle on Ooltewah-Georgetown ... (click for more)

Rep. McCormick Says Legislature May Act To Give Physicians More Say-So At Erlanger

Rep. Gerald McCormick said the Legislature may take action this session to give physicians more say-so at Erlanger Hospital. The House majority leader from Hixson said, "With the recent financial losses at Erlanger, there is a desire on the part of the medical community to have more of a role at the hospital and to have more board representation." The Hospital Authority Board ... (click for more)

Occupy Chattanooga Hurts My Eyes - And Response

My wife was disgusted to see all the tents and trash on the Hamilton County Courthouse lawn when she went to renew our vehicle tags yesterday.  She described to me all the tents, dirty blankets, trash and  general filth she saw around our historic courthouse.  So last night as I sat and pondered first why the protesters were protesting, then why they were allowed ... (click for more)

Roy Exum: A Coach’s Jailhouse Plea

Years ago, once when famed Alabama football coach Bear Bryant was reflecting on his success, he spit a fleck of tobacco off his tongue and summed it up with a laugh, “Aw, all it boils down to is being able to talk an 18-year-old into making a decision in 15 minutes.” Since then, college recruiting has reached the point the University of Tennessee now budgets $2.3 million a year ... (click for more)